Calmurid cream (urea, lactic acid)

How does it work?

Calmurid cream contains two active ingredients, urea and lactic acid. It is used to help rehydrate dry, scaly skin.

Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances, including urea, which retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

Urea is a substance that is found naturally in the skin, which by its nature is very attracted to water.

When urea is applied to the skin it penetrates the stratum corneum, where it readily absorbs and retains water. This increases the capacity of the skin to hold moisture, and the skin therefore becomes rehydrated.

Lactic acid is known as a keratolytic. When applied to the skin it breaks down keratin, which is a protein that forms part of the skin structure. In conditions such as chronic eczema, excessive amounts of keratin causes the skin cells to harden, and makes the skin become thickened and scaly.

Lactic acid breaks down the keratin in the hardened and thickened skin, helping to shed skin cells from the area to which it is applied, and soften and improve the appearance of dry, scaly skin. This action also improves the ability of the urea to penetrate the skin and rehydrate it.

Calmurid cream is formulated with a moisturising base that provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, this helps to prevent water from evaporating from the surface of the skin. This reduces the dryness, scaling and itching of skin conditions such as eczema.

What is it used for?

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

If you experience stinging when applying this medicine and this prevents you using it, the medicine can be diluted with an equal quantity of aqueous cream for a week of treatment. After this time you should be able to use it undiluted. Seek further advice from your pharmacist.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes).

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any of its ingredients.

This cream should not be used if you are allergic to o any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Stinging on application.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think its necessary they'll report it for you.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.